Quote:
Originally Posted by wooyarn
I'm not trying to defend either one. If a ship is actively fishing they are required to display a certain light configuration at night and certain flags during the day. As for the video, it appears the the Greenpeace vessle was at fault, however with out knowing all the information it's hard to say exactly who is to blame
As for right of way, a sailing always has the right of way, based on the fact that they have limited manuvering ablity.
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When operating a vessel under sail, you must give way to:
Any vessel not under command
Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
A vessel engaged in commercial fishing
Any blue water sailor knows that despite international maritime law all motorized vessels feel they own the oceans and will use the limited ability to maneuver rule to maintain course. Fishing vessels, fishing or not, are by far the worst offenders. A factory trawler, container ship or super-tanker that needs 5-miles to turn has far reaching radar that can easily 'see' a dingy at 50-miles but any sailing vessel captain knows they won't change course for a sailboat trimmed for a long reach, even when their navigation system can plot a collision course in a matter of seconds. All you'll hear is the horn (if the helmsman happens to be awake as they set the radar alert for large masses).